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Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station, CA

Photo: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureIconicFree

Point Reyes National Seashore

Bear Valley Visitor Center, 1 Bear Valley Rd · Point Reyes Station, CA

Why you should go…

Point Reyes National Seashore protects more than 71,000 acres of beaches, headlands and forest on the Marin County coast. About 150 miles of hiking trails cross the park, and trail maps and suggested hikes are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. You can look for tule elk and elephant seals, and descend 313 steps to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, first lit in 1870. No entrance fee is charged, and parking at visitor centers, beaches and trailheads is free.

  • #national seashore
  • #hiking
  • #lighthouse
  • #wildlife viewing
  • #beaches

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Point Reyes National Seashore, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Muir Woods National Monument

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    Old-growth coast redwood forest just north of San Francisco, reachable only with an advance parking or shuttle reservation.

    17 mi awayMore like this

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    Sausalito

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    A hillside bayfront town across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, known for houseboats and waterfront views.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

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    Angel Island State Park

    Under $25

    Ride a ferry to an island in San Francisco Bay to hike, bike the perimeter road and tour the old U.S. Immigration Station.

    23 mi awayMore like this

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    Sonoma County Farm Trails

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    A self-guided trail connecting visitors to Sonoma County's farms, ranches and U-pick orchards.

    25 mi awayMore like this